What a topsy-turvy world we live in. Recent events worldwide have given rise to what I would describe as an ache in the human heart for a solution to the ever-more extreme levels of brutalising violence being perpetrated. Added to this ache is a feeling of frustration at our apparent inability to achieve a coherent plan of action to deal with the problem.

An anecdote concerning one of the world’s most eminent scientists came to mind. After a lecture, Albert Einstein invited questions from his students. He was asked: “What field is left for us to investigate?” His reply was to the effect that it was time that someone researched the much ignored topic of the power of prayer.

In the light of that possibly surprising, but revealing and intriguing, observation, what are we to make of the decision by a group of cinemas not to show a 60-second film showing people of differing ages, ethnicity and circumstances, sharing the repetition of the Lord’s Prayer? The film was passed by the British Board of Film Classification but rejected by Digital Cinema Media (DCM) on the grounds that “some people might find it offensive”.

With regard to offensiveness, advertising alcohol might be offensive to a teetotaller. Similarly, burger chains to a vegetarian or luxury cruises, housing, clothing exotic perfumes etc to those struggling to make ends meet.

More seriously, it is apparently against DCM policy to show adverts of a proselytising religious nature. This I can understand. A prayer, however, is entirely different, common to all humanity of whatever religion and dare I say, sometimes in extreme stress, to some of those of a secular mind.

Is it right that an organisation such as DCM should have such sweeping powers? If we can make our own judgements with regard to other advertisements, may we not make our own judgement about a prayer?

Ada McDonald

Cambuslang